Brendan: CB Jaylon Johnson
Not only is Johnson the team’s most pro-ready rookie after dominating the last two years at Utah, but he also has the clearest path to becoming a starter opposite to Pro-Bowl cornerback Kyle Fuller following the release of veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara in February. Johnson played at an elite level in 2018 and 2019, giving up just three touchdowns in over 1,200 snaps during his entire collegiate career. He’s an extremely athletic player who has shut down opposing wide receivers on a consistent basis. Johnson is also someone who is very confident, almost bordering on cocky, which is a trait you like to see in defensive backs.
It’s also worth noting that the entire Bears secondary should benefit from the return of linebacker Danny Trevathan and defensive end Akiem Hicks, along with newcomer outside linebacker Robert Quinn. When healthy, the front-seven is among the best in the league, which will provide more opportunities for the team’s defensive backs. Considering all those factors, Johnson is poised to be the Bears top-performing rookie in 2020.